Canandaigua, NY – The YMCA of Greater Rochester is proud to announce the naming of the aquatic center at the Sands Family YMCA. With a gift of $1 million from businessman and philanthropist Brian F. Prince, the center will be named the Prince Aquatic Center.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot Prince Aquatic Center will feature two pools – a warm water pool with a splash pad for families, and a six-lane exercise pool for lap swim and more. There will also be a whirlpool and dry sauna.
“The Sands Family YMCA will be a game changer for Canandaigua, especially this Aquatic Center,” said Prince. “During a recent visit to another aquatics center within the YMCA of Greater Rochester, I was awestruck to see just how important a state-of-the-art aquatic center is in a vibrant YMCA, and I am proud to help bring that to Canandaigua.”
Prince, President & CEO of Hegemon Capital, Inc., is a Rochester native. As a kid, the YMCA played a significant role in his life. He recalls riding his bike to the Northwest Family YMCA on Long Pond Road in Greece.
“I know what the Y meant to me growing up and I’m honored to do what I can to ensure the Y’s mission carries on to the next generation for families and children,” said Prince. “Living next to the Finger Lakes, it is especially important to make sure our community can be safe in and around the water.”
“Like Brian, the Y was an extremely integral part of my life growing up,” said Ernest Lamour, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Rochester. “It brings me such joy to see people who have been impacted by the Y get involved and give back; it truly shows the power of the Y and the difference it can make on your life and in your community.”
The Sands Family YMCA, set to open on October 2, will be the central place for all in the greater Canandaigua community to come together to learn, grow and thrive. This facility is being made possible, largely thanks to the Sands Family Foundation, which has generously given a historic gift of $13.5 million to support this transformational YMCA.
Just last month, the YMCA of Greater Rochester announced an exciting way for Y members and the community to financially support this next chapter of the Y’s story in Canandaigua. The Community Campaign comes to life in the form of a tree in the lobby of the Canandaigua Family YMCA. There are many ways to ‘Become Rooted’ with the Sands Family YMCA. Learn more about how you can become involved at ymcaroc.co/BecomeRooted.
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